Fabric rolling device and method

ABSTRACT

The present specification relates generally to devices for configuring pliable articles and more specifically to a device for rolling fabric articles for storage and related method. The device for rolling fabric articles for storage and the related method may facilitate the storage of a greater number of fabric articles within a given space, without rendering the stored articles inaccessible. The fabric rolling device comprises a housing; a pair of substantially parallel rods each having a first end, the pair of substantially parallel rods connected to each other at the first ends and extending horizontally through the housing; a rotational mechanism in communication with the connected first ends of the pair of substantially parallel rods; and at least one supporting mechanism, disposed within the housing proximate one of a free end of each of the pair of substantially parallel rods and the connected first ends of the pair of substantially parallel rods.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present specification relates generally to devices for configuring pliable articles and more specifically to a device for rolling fabric articles for storage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As the average size of houses and condominiums continues to decrease, so does the storage space available to homeowners within their homes. Some of the many items which homeowners are now struggling to find space for are clothing, linens, and other fabric articles. Often these items are stacked in large piles or squeezed into dresser drawers and wardrobes. Due to the very pliant nature of fabric, and the frequency with which these items are accessed, these items often become disorganized, unfolded, and disheveled. When they do, homeowners are burdened with the task of refolding, reorganizing, and often re-pressing these items.

To store more items within a small space, a homeowner may, alternatively, utilize a vacuum storage bag. These bags enable a user to compress their contents by removing air from the bags with the help of a vacuum. While these bags have the capacity to substantially reduce the spatial footprint of the items within them, they have their disadvantages. Once the air is removed from the bags, it becomes difficult to identify their contents and, if an item is ever removed from a bag, the bag must be resealed, and the air vacuumed out anew. Thus, vacuum storage bags are best suited for long-term storage, and do not solve the challenges associated with storing fabric articles which are in regular use.

The need to store a large number of items within a small space is also encountered when packing baggage. As a result of substantial fees being charged by airlines for checked baggage and for excess baggage, travellers are motivated to travel with as little baggage as is practicable. Again, vacuum storage bags are often relied on to fit more fabric articles in a single piece of baggage. Vacuum storage bags, however, may crease the fabric articles packed within them. Further, these storage bags must be resealed, and the air vacuumed out, each time the user needs to repack their baggage. This can be onerous when travellers are regularly moving from city to city or country to country and repacking their baggage every few days. Further, travellers may not have access to a vacuum or vacuum cleaner at each of their destinations to vacuum the air out of the storage bag.

Additionally, the repetitive motion involved in manually folding or rolling large quantities of fabric articles may lead to repetitive stress injuries. These injuries may be more common in certain industries and workplaces, for example in hospitals, restaurants, hotels, banquet halls, cruise ships, gyms, spas and waterparks where a substantial number of towels, linens or other fabric articles is regularly rolled or folded. The repetitive motion associated with this task may place significant physical strain on workers and result in injury. Further, many of these settings require folded/rolled fabric articles to all have substantially the shape and be of substantially the same size, which can be difficult and time-consuming to achieve manually.

Accordingly, there remains a need for improvements in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a fabric rolling device, comprising: a housing; a pair of substantially parallel rods each having a first end, the pair of substantially parallel rods connected to each other at the first ends and extending horizontally therefrom through the housing; a rotational mechanism in communication with the connected first ends of the pair of substantially parallel rods; and at least one supporting mechanism, disposed within the housing proximate one of a free end of each of the pair of substantially parallel rods and the connected first ends of the pair of substantially parallel rods.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a method of rolling fabric comprising: positioning the fabric between a pair of substantially parallel rods each having a first end, the pair of substantially parallel rods connected to each other at the first ends; and using a rotational mechanism to rotate the pair of substantially parallel rods to roll the fabric.

Other aspects and features according to the present application will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The principles of the invention may better be understood with reference to the accompanying figures provided by way of illustration of an exemplary embodiment, or embodiments, incorporating principles and aspects of the present invention, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fabric rolling device, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2A is a front elevational view of the fabric rolling device of FIG. 1 with a fabric article positioned within it, in an open configuration;

FIG. 2B is a front elevational view of the fabric rolling device of FIG. 1 with a fabric article positioned within it, in a closed, unlatched configuration;

FIG. 2C is a right-side elevational view of the fabric rolling device of FIG. 1 with a fabric article positioned within it, in a closed, latched configuration;

FIG. 2D is a right-side elevational view of the fabric rolling device of FIG. 1 with a fabric article positioned within it, in an open configuration;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pair of substantially parallel rods in communication with a rotational mechanism, namely, a motor, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a right-side elevational view of the fabric rolling device of FIG. 1 in a closed and unlatched configuration;

FIG. 4B is a right-side elevational view of the fabric rolling device of FIG. 1 in a closed and latched configuration;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a portion of the first supporting mechanism, a portion of the second supporting mechanism, the tensioner bar, and the support bar of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 6 is a right-side elevational view of the fabric rolling device of FIG. 1 , with a rolled fabric article positioned within it, in a closed configuration, the first supporting mechanism, the handle, and a side panel of the lid are not shown;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the pair of substantially parallel rods of FIG. 3 in communication with a rotational mechanism, namely, a motor;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a pair of substantially parallel rods in communication with a rotational mechanism, namely, a motor, with a fabric article wrapped therearound, according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a pair of substantially parallel rods in communication with a rotational mechanism, namely, a motor, with a fabric article wrapped therearound, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, are provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments of the principles of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the invention. In the description, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and, in some instances, proportions may have been exaggerated in order more clearly to depict certain features of the invention.

According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2A - 2D, 4A, 4B and 6 , a fabric rolling device 100 is provided to facilitate the rolling of fabric articles. Accordingly, fabric rolling device 100 may enable the storage of a greater number of fabric articles within a given space while maintaining the accessibility of each individual article. Consequently, fabric rolling device 100 may obviate or reduce a homeowner’s need for additional storage space external to their home. Similarly, fabric rolling device 100 may obviate or reduce a homeowner’s need to reduce or limit the number of fabric or other articles they own to compensate for a lack of storage space. Further, fabric rolling device 100 may increase consistency in the size and shape of rolled fabric articles and reduce the likelihood and/or number of repetitive strain injuries associated with the repeated folding or rolling motions involved in the manual folding or rolling of fabric articles. Further, fabric rolling device 100 may eliminate the need, associated with the storage of fabric articles in flat stacks in lieu of rolls, to repeatedly re-press and refold stored fabric articles. Fabric rolling device 100 may also reduce the number of checked baggage items required by travellers, thereby saving travellers the cost and inconvenience associated with travelling with multiple checked bags. Similarly, fabric rolling device 100 may facilitate the neat storage of fabric articles within baggage, thereby reducing the need to regularly re-press and re-fold these articles.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2A - 2D, 4A, 4B and 6 , fabric rolling device 100 comprises a housing 110. Housing 110 may vary in shape and/or size. Housing 110 supports and contains other components of fabric rolling device 100. Housing 110 may be constructed of aluminum, stainless steel, thermoplastics, or a combination of suitable materials. Manufacturing costs, weight, lifespan, transparency and mechanical strength may be considerations informing the choice of materials, construction technique and design choices of housing 110. According to an embodiment, housing 110 comprises a base 120 and a lid. The lid may be pivotally connected to housing 110. The lid, in a closed configuration, may provide compression to a fabric article loaded into fabric rolling device 100. In this manner, the lid may improve the functioning of fabric rolling device 100 and improve a shape and reduce a size of a fabric article rolled by fabric rolling device 100. The compression provided by the lid may result in the fabric article being rolled tighter than would have been possible in the absence of the lid.

According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 3, and 7 - 8B, fabric rolling device 100 comprises a pair of substantially parallel rods 130 each having a first end 140, the pair of substantially parallel rods 130 connected to each other at the first ends 140 and extending horizontally through housing 110. According to an embodiment, the pair of substantially parallel rods 130 are flexible. According to a further embodiment, the pair of substantially parallel rods 130 are cylindrical, as shown in FIGS. 1 - 4B, 6, and 7 . The pair of substantially parallel rods 130 may be U-channel shaped. According to an embodiment, the pair of substantially parallel rods 130 are C-channel shaped. Alternatively, the pair of substantially parallel rods 130 may be flat. According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the pair of substantially parallel rods 130 may be connected to at least one fin 250. At least one fin 250 may be permanently connected to the pair of substantially parallel rods 130. Alternatively, at least one fin 250 may be removably connected to the pair of substantially parallel rods 130, enabling a user to easily configure fabric rolling device 100 and the pair of substantially parallel rods 130 to yield a particular end-shape of a fabric article rolled by fabric rolling device 100. The shape of each of pair of substantially parallel rods 130 may be determined based on an intended use of fabric rolling device 100. The shape of each of pair of substantially parallel rods 130 may vary depending on a type of fabric article intended to be rolled by fabric rolling device 100 and/or a desired size or shape for the fabric article after rolling. By way of example, the pair of substantially parallel rods 130 may be flat and fin-like where a flatter, shorter end shape of the fabric article is desired, whereas the pair of substantially parallel rods 130 may be cylindrical where a rounder, taller end shape of the fabric article is desired. Each of the pair of substantially parallel rods 130 may have a different shape, as shown in FIG. 8B.

Each of the pair of substantially parallel rods 130 may vary in length and diameter. According to an embodiment, each of the pair of substantially parallel rods 130 have a same length and diameter. Alternatively, according to another embodiment, each of the pair of substantially parallel rods 130 have a different length and diameter.

The pair of substantially parallel rods 130 may be manufactured from or encased in a material with a high friction co-efficient to improve the pair of substantially parallel rods’ 130 capacity to grip a fabric article loaded into fabric rolling device 100. The pair of substantially parallel rods 130 may be removeable and exchangeable for a pair of substantially parallel rods 130 of a different shape or a different material. Exchanging the pair of substantially parallel rods 130 may increase the number of distinct fabric articles which may be efficiently rolled by a single embodiment of fabric rolling device 100 and may facilitate maintenance of fabric rolling device 100.

According to an embodiment, the pair of substantially parallel rods 130 may include at least one cap affixed to a free end 150 of one of the pair of substantially parallel rods 130, the free end 150 being opposite the first end 140. The at least one cap may be constructed of silicone, thermoplastic or one or more other suitable materials known to the person skilled in the art. According to an embodiment, the at least one cap is affixed to a free end 150 of one of the pair of substantially parallel rods 130 via a snap-fit mechanism. Alternatively, the at least one cap may be screwed onto a thread on free end 150 of one of the pair of substantially parallel rods 130. The at least one cap may prevent a fabric article loaded into fabric rolling device 100 from shifting during the operation of fabric rolling device 100 and thereby improve a shape and size of a fabric article rolled by fabric rolling device 100 and reduce a likelihood of fabric rolling device 100 malfunctioning. The at least one cap may vary in size and shape. The at least one cap may be removably affixed to free end 150 of one of the pair of substantially parallel rods 130. Alternatively, the at least one cap may be permanently affixed to free end 150 of one of the pair of substantially parallel rods 130.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2A - 3, and 7 - 8B, fabric rolling device 100 comprises a rotational mechanism 160 in communication with connected first ends 140 of the pair of substantially parallel rods 130. Rotational mechanism 160 may be manually or automatically operated. According to an embodiment, rotational mechanism 160 comprises a motor, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2A - 3, and 7 - 8B. According to another embodiment, rotational mechanism 160 comprises a hand crank. Rotational mechanism 160 serves to rotate the pair of substantially parallel rods 130 and a fabric article loaded into fabric rolling device 100 between the pair of substantially parallel rods 130 when fabric rolling device 100 is operating.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2C, 2D, 4A and 4B, fabric rolling device 100 comprises at least one supporting mechanism 170, disposed within housing 110 proximate one of free end 150 of each of the pair of substantially parallel rods 130 and connected first ends 140 of the pair of substantially parallel rods 130. At least one supporting mechanism 170 may, in an engaged position, exclusively support a bottom of the pair of substantially parallel rods 130 or may encircle and thereby clamp the pair of substantially parallel rods 130, as shown in FIGS. 2C and 4B. According to an embodiment, at least one supporting mechanism 170 comprises a first supporting mechanism 180 and a second supporting mechanism 190, as shown in FIG. 1 . According to an embodiment, first supporting mechanism 180, in an engaged position, at least partially surrounds free end 150 of each of the pair of substantially parallel rods 130, as shown in FIGS. 2C and 4B. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2C, 2D, 4A and 4B, first supporting mechanism 180 may comprise an extendable first arm 230 disposed above and perpendicular to the pair of substantially parallel rods 130 and pivotally connected to a handle 200 and to housing 110, such that the depression of handle 200 extends the first arm 230 to a position below the pair of substantially parallel rods 130. According to a further embodiment, second supporting mechanism 190, in an engaged position, at least partially surrounds connected first ends 140 of the pair of substantially parallel rods 130. Second supporting mechanism 190 may comprise an extendable second arm disposed above and perpendicular to the pair of substantially parallel rods 130 and pivotally connected to handle 200 and to housing 110, such that the depression of handle 200 extends the second arm to a position below the pair of substantially parallel rods 130.

According to an embodiment, fabric rolling device 100 further comprises a support rod 210, fixed to housing 110 in front of and parallel to the pair of substantially parallel rods 130, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 4A - 5 . As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, support rod 210 may support a fabric article 260 loaded into fabric rolling device 100 while fabric rolling device 100 is in operation.

According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2D and 4A - 4B, handle 200 comprises a latch 220 configured to latch onto support rod 210, thereby retaining at least one supporting mechanism 170 in a clamped position. Latch 220 may prevent unwanted opening of fabric rolling device 100 during its operation. Latch 220 may increase the compression applied to a fabric article loaded into fabric rolling device 100 by locking one or more moveable components of fabric rolling device 100 in a given position.

According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2A - 2D, and 4 - 6 , fabric rolling device 100 further comprises a tensioner bar 240 extending between first supporting mechanism 180 and second supporting mechanism 190 of at least one supporting mechanism 170. Tensioner bar 240 may apply downward pressure to a fabric article loaded into fabric rolling device 100. Together with support rod 210, tensioner bar may hold fabric article 260 in place within fabric rolling device 100, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 5 . Consequently, tensioner bar 240 may help keep fabric article 260 in position and taut while fabric rolling device 100 is in operation, resulting in a tighter, more shapely fabric roll.

Fabric rolling device 100 may be constructed from materials which provide sufficient mechanical strength and durability to perform reliably over time and withstand impact. According to an embodiment, fabric rolling device 100 may be constructed of aluminum, stainless steel, silicone, thermoplastics, or a combination of suitable materials. Manufacturing costs, weight, lifespan and mechanical strength may be considerations informing the choice of materials, construction technique and design choices of fabric rolling device 100.

According to an embodiment, there is provided a method of rolling fabric comprising: positioning the fabric between a pair of substantially parallel rods each having a first end, the pair of substantially parallel rods connected to each other at the first ends; and using a rotational mechanism to rotate the pair of substantially parallel rods to roll the fabric. Rotating the pair of substantially parallel rods causes the fabric held between them to be pulled toward and to wind itself around the pair of substantially parallel rods until all of the fabric is wound around the pair of substantially parallel rods in a fabric roll. The fabric roll can then be slid off of the pair of substantially parallel rods for storage and the process restarted with additional fabric.

According to an embodiment, the method of rolling fabric further comprises activating a first supporting mechanism to support or clamp the pair of substantially parallel rods at a second end of each of the pair of substantially parallel rods. Supporting or clamping the pair of substantially parallel rods may reduce a likelihood of the fabric slipping off the pair of substantially parallel rods while it is being rolled and may reduce a size of the fabric roll produced by the method. Supporting or clamping the pair of substantially parallel rods may also reduce the strain on the pair of substantially parallel rods caused by the weight of the fabric. The method of rolling fabric may further comprise activating a second supporting mechanism to support or clamp the pair of substantially parallel rods at the connected first ends of the pair of substantially parallel rods. According to an embodiment, the method of rolling fabric further comprises applying downward pressure to the fabric via a tensioner bar positioned lateral to the pair of substantially parallel rods. The downward pressure may further reduce a likelihood of the fabric slipping off the pair of substantially parallel rods while it is being rolled and may reduce a size of the fabric roll produced by the method.

Various embodiments of the invention have been described in detail. Since changes in and or additions to the above-described best mode may be made without departing from the nature, spirit or scope of the invention, the invention is not to be limited to those details but only by the appended claims. Section headings herein are provided as organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention set out in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A fabric rolling device, comprising: a housing; a pair of substantially parallel rods each having a first end, the pair of substantially parallel rods connected to each other at the first ends and extending horizontally therefrom through the housing; a rotational mechanism in communication with the connected first ends of the pair of substantially parallel rods; and at least one supporting mechanism, disposed within the housing proximate one of a free end of each of the pair of substantially parallel rods and the connected first ends of the pair of substantially parallel rods.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one supporting mechanism comprises a first and a second supporting mechanism.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the first supporting mechanism, in an engaged position, at least partially surrounds the free end of each of the pair of substantially parallel rods.
 4. The device of claim 2, wherein the second supporting mechanism, in an engaged position, at least partially surrounds the connected first ends of the pair of substantially parallel rods.
 5. The device of claim 3, wherein the first supporting mechanism comprises an extendable first arm disposed above and perpendicular to the pair of substantially parallel rods and pivotally connected to a handle and to the housing, such that the depression of the handle extends the first arm to a position below the pair of substantially parallel rods.
 6. The device of claim 4, wherein the second supporting mechanism comprises an extendable second arm disposed above and perpendicular to the pair of substantially parallel rods and pivotally connected to a handle and to the housing, such that the depression of the handle extends the second arm to a position below the pair of substantially parallel rods.
 7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a support rod, fixed to the housing in front of and parallel to the pair of substantially parallel rods.
 8. The device of claim 7, further comprising a handle pivotally connected to the at least one supporting mechanism, wherein the handle comprises a latch configured to latch onto the support rod, thereby retaining the at least one supporting mechanism in a clamped position.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the pair of substantially parallel rods are flexible.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the pair of substantially parallel rods are cylindrical.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the pair of substantially parallel rods are flat.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the rotational mechanism comprises a motor.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises: a base; and a lid.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the lid is pivotally connected to the housing.
 15. The device of claim 13, further comprising a tensioner bar extending between a first and a second supporting mechanism of the at least one supporting mechanism.
 16. A method of rolling fabric comprising: positioning the fabric between a pair of substantially parallel rods each having a first end, the pair of substantially parallel rods connected to each other at the first ends; and using a rotational mechanism to rotate the pair of substantially parallel rods to roll the fabric.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: activating a first supporting mechanism to clamp the pair of substantially parallel rods at a second end of each of the pair of substantially parallel rods.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: activating a second supporting mechanism to clamp the pair of substantially parallel rods at the connected first ends of the pair of substantially parallel rods.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: applying downward pressure to the fabric via a tensioner bar positioned lateral to the pair of substantially parallel rods. 